The Decibel

Exploring the homeless crisis in Halifax, the podcast discusses the surge in homeless population, tensions between police and activists, and the need for policy reforms. It delves into the challenges of temporary solutions, misconceptions about homelessness, and the urgent call for sustainable housing options.

Robert Fife, The Globe's Ottawa bureau chief, discusses the ongoing Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Canada, detailing allegations of meddling by foreign countries like China and Russia. The podcast explores the significance of confidence in election integrity, discrepancies in inquiry methods, intelligence challenges, and the impact of foreign interference on Canadian elections.

Former health minister Jane Philpott, a Dean at Queen's University and family doctor, shares her hopeful vision for primary care in Canada. Topics include the challenges of accessing healthcare, the need for interdisciplinary teams, national standards for primary care, and the importance of preventative care. Philpott advocates for collaboration between federal and provincial governments to revolutionize the healthcare system and implement legislative solutions for improved patient outcomes by 2035.

James Griffiths, The Globe's Asia correspondent, discusses why major economies like Canada, the U.S., and Australia are eager to build ties with Vietnam. They analyze Vietnam's economic growth, strategic relationships with China and the U.S., human rights concerns, and challenges ahead for the country's future development.

Ian Urbina, executive editor of The Outlaw Ocean Project, discusses the investigation revealing North Korean forced labor in Chinese seafood plants supplying Canadian companies. The podcast explores the challenges faced by the workers, the complexities of the seafood supply chain, and the need for improved monitoring in the industry to combat forced labor.

Journalist Sean Silcoff discusses the rise of psychedelic drugs in treating mental health, focusing on Canadian companies MindMed and Cybin. They delve into FDA breakthrough designation, investor interest, and challenges in advancing psychedelic research. The future potential and long-term impact of psychedelic drugs are explored, emphasizing the need for further clinical trials.

The podcast discusses the dangerous conditions facing aid workers delivering supplies to Gaza, highlighting the recent deaths of seven World Central Kitchen workers. Dr. Sarah Schiffling explains the challenges of providing aid in Gaza and explores potential solutions. The chapter delves into the logistical hurdles, food shortages, and the impact of the ongoing conflict on aid delivery.

Philip Mai, senior researcher at Toronto Metropolitan University, discusses school boards suing social media giants. They explore the impact of social media on classrooms, mental health, and youth engagement. The lawsuit aims to address addictive features and implement age restrictions, emphasizing social media responsibility and accountability.

Exploring Canada's AI future, the podcast discusses the need for infrastructure investment to support AI research talent. They delve into the challenges of computing power, potential brain drain of AI talent, and the implications of government funding in the AI sector.

Jason Kirby, Matt Lundy, and Mark Rendell discuss the reasons behind soaring housing prices in Canada, construction challenges, declining productivity, inflation's impact on building supplies, and the demographic shift with seniors selling homes affecting future housing projections.